Whale and boat tours in Northern Cape Breton

Pilot whales in pods up to one hundred feed on the mackeral off the Top of the Island | Photo by Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures

The warm waters off the Top of the Island are the summering grounds of an impressive variety of whales. Minkes, pilot whales, fin whales, sei whales and humpbacks, as well as the occasional pod of belugas, all take their summer vacations off, and mostly in sight of

Two Cape Islander Motor Launches and one Schooner offer 3-4 hour tours daily into the whale summering grounds off the Top of the Island | Photo by Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures

Whale tour operations at the Top of the Island include both sailing and motorized vessels. Their operators, skilled at finding the pods of whales, are also aware of the pristine coastal scenery along which they sail, and they include glimpses of hidden shoreline gems in their tours. Hidden coves, shoreline waterfalls and emerald meadows add unexpected beauty to the experience of viewing the world’s largest mammals. As one visitor recently stated: “The scenery was worth the cost of the trip. The whales were icing on the cake!”.

Early evening, late July, at the Top of the Island | Photo by Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures

Visit our Gallery for examples of the scenery, both shoreline and offshore, experienced by whale watch participants.

Nestled in the northeast corner of Cape Breton Island lies the quaint fishing village of Neil’s Harbour. Just two minutes off of the Cabot Trail, let the lighthouse guide you to Dixon’s Zodiac Seafari. Come ride the hurricane on your Nova Scotia Vacation.